HPN Graduate Profile- Danielle Heyhoe

Danielle Heyhoe

Why did you choose HPN?
HPN was recommended to me by a Nutritionist friend of mine after we heard Cliff Harvey speak at a LC/HF conference at the Auckland Museum. After listening to Cliff speak at the conference, I understood that HPN followed current research and was evidence based. This appealed to me significantly. I also liked that HPN was situated in Auckland, my own city, and that it offered monthly workshops with the intent of establishing a health HPN community.

What did you get out of the HPN course/ why would you recommend it others?
I believe I have gained fundamental insight into the truth behind how food impacts the body. In many ways this has helped me understand my own health more deeply, but also equipped me with the knowledge to support clients. HPN is also always on the look out for new research and evidence. In this way I value its humility and teachability considerably.

What was your background experience in nutrition?
I came to HPN with limited background experience in Nutrition. I am a chef by trade and had been working at a health store (Wilder & Hunt) when I arrived at HPN. I knew food, healthy cooking, and that's about it!

What are you up to now as a graduate of HPN?
I am in the process of building my own practice - Danielle Heyhoe: Health and Wellness Coach. I will be starting another course in Anatomy and Physiology shortly to refresh my knowledge in science. Essentially I plan to build a client base and help people towards their own health goals.

What's does your ideal day off entail?
A bit of a sleep-in followed by a stroll with my husband. Coffee and a nourishing breakfast at home. A bit of reading or a walk along Piha / around One Tree Hill. Having some friends over for a glass of red wine and a delicious dinner!

What is your favorite way to nourish your body and what is your biggest food weakness?
I love to drink water and eat so I feel nourished - usually involving vegetables and some good healthy fat. My biggest food weakness is probably actually a "drink weakness".... red wine. Or almond butter!

What does your weekly fitness routine consist of?
I love to walk outside so I usually power walk for an hour 4 days a week. I also do a home yoga session at least once a week.

Favorite piece of nutritional advice? 
One thing Cliff Harvey said once about feeding and honouring the body. The idea of honouring the body with nourishing food is hugely confronting from where I've come from. It means that we shouldn't deprive ourselves, but that we also shouldn't indulge in a way that doesn't add value to our bodies. I loved it! In fact it inspired me to create a similar sentence for my own business: 'feed, nourish, value yourself.'

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